Saddlers aim at play-offs

HOPE abounds at Walsall that this can be the season Dean Smith’s perennial underdogs break into the play-offs.

The Saddlers have had a relatively quiet summer in the market, but have suffered the loss of highly-rated goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell to Wigan.

Battling with the the relegated DW Stadium outfit was a big stretch for Walsall, given the budget disparity. Last season Smith’s was one of the lowest in League One.

But even with O’Donnell departing and influential defender James Chambers retiring, the return of Milan Lalkovic has buoyed supporters.

With last season’s 20-goal man Tom Bradshaw still at the club, there should be no shortage of goal threats if the former Shrewsbury man stays free of injury.

As with Athletic, Smith’s main cause for concern is at centre-back. A rumoured move for former skipper Anthony Gerrard has been ruled out, while a swoop for trialist defender Adrian Pazo is also a no-go.

“Before the window closes I’m hoping to have one or two more players in who can strengthen us,” Smith said this week. “In terms of Pazo, he’s flown back to Spain. He did alright but he wasn’t better than what we have.”